Elegantly graceful, adorned with richly patterned leaves, and displaying
exquisite beauty, Rhapis excelsa have acquired the popular name of "Lady
Palms". Rare, slow-growing, 'and extremely versatile, they are undemanding
and long-lived.

Enchanted by these exceptional qualities, the Japanese first began collecting
Rhapis from China in the 17th century, as exclusive possessions for the
Imperial palaces and the highest levels of nobility.

During the 1800s, the fame of these esteemed palms spread throughout
the world. Rhapis excelsa became prized specimens in European conservatories,
classic parlor palms of wealthy Americans, and landscape features of the
finest botanical gardens. These early cultivated palms were a tall "standard"
form, often growing more than 14' in height and attaining immense width.
Consequently it became known as the "Large Lady Palm".

Lady Palms of Distinction

Miniature Green & Variegated Varieties

As interest in large Rhapis excelsa expanded around the globe, Japanese
Samurai began cultivating dwarf green and variegated forms, especially
suited for indoor use. Unusual leaf shapes and growth habits eventually
appeared and each distinctive variety was named and classified. These highly
selected cultivars developed into an array of "Miniature Lady Palms", some
reaching only 5' or 6' of height after decades of growth.

Over 100 different varieties are presently known in the Orient. Though
these "pedigreed palms" can only be propagated by division and remain limited
in supply, a national fascination has emerged in Japan and rare variegated
specimens of dwarf Rhapis excelsa are in high demand.

"Miniature Lady Palms" have now become important additions to American
interiors and landscapes. In the home, executive office, or garden, these
aristocratic plants become a focal point and reflect the quiet dignity
of their Far Eastern heritage.

Named Varieties of Rhapis Excelsa

Uniquely, Rhapis excelsa is the only ornamental palm species with named
green and variegated varieties, each having a distinctive leaf shape and
growth habit. A selection of these miniature cultivars provides an exciting
choice of exotic shapes and textures which are almost unlimited.

Variegated Rhapis! These supreme "Lady Palms" are rarities of the palm
world. Each named variety displays a stunning pattern of stripes and provides
a dramatic highlight to any collection. A 6" R.excelsa 'ZUIKONISHKI' variegated
is shown above.

The Versatile Varieties of Rhapis excelsa

For elegant interiors & distinguished gardens

Rhapis excelsa easily adapt to low light interior or shaded tropical
and subtropical landscapes. They have a wide temperature range from 18
to 100 degrees F, and adjust to the cool, dry climate of California as
well as the hot, steamy summers of Gulf Coast areas. Popular as patio
plants in northern regions, they require only a brief period of protection
during the coldest winter months. "Miniature Lady Palms" are one of the
few prestigious ornamental species which offer such widespread indoor and
outdoor use.

Available in many shapes and sizes, "Lady Palms" can be graceful accents
and important collectables in any interior from traditional to contemporary.
The R.excelsa 'ZUIKO-LUTINO' above is in an 8" decorative container.

Dwarf Varieties of Rhapis excelsa

Known as "Miniature Lady Palms"

MINIATURE (dwarf) defined: smaller than others of its kind;
reduced scale; plants that are unusually small.

While the common "Large Lady Palm is usually found in 6' to 14' heights,
"Miniature Lady Palms" provide shorter, fully developed specimens 1' to
8' tall. These small, named varieties have a fast-clumping growth habit
and are available in 5" to 17" pot sizes. No other fine ornamental palm
offers such an extensive selection of sizes and flexibility of design.

R.excelsa 'KOBAN' 6'
tall & 'TENZAN' 32" tall

Since miniature varieties of Rhapis excelsa are slow growing, palm
size is an important consideration. If you like to watch small plants grow
(slowly) bigger, choose a 5" pot size. If you prefer more stately specimens,
select a larger palm.

The tall specimens shown in these pictures are examples of our oldest
Rhapis, cultivated over 20 years in greenhouse conditions for maximum growth.
If you are interested in our "Texas sized Dwarfs" 5' to 8' tall in 17'
pot sizes, contact us for availability, prices, and shipping methods. They
are too large for UPS, but can be sent to your address by motor or air
freight.

Our Rhapis are grown and sold in plastic containers. Some of our palms
are shown potted in clay Bonsai Pots with saucers, in a rich chocolate
color. These and other superb containers such as the hand enameled "Nishiki"
pots from Japan can be purchased separately. The Rhapis excelsa 'DARUMA'
below is in a 9" Bonsai Pot.

Green Varieties of Rhapis excelsa

Each has an individual leaf shape &
growth habit.

Rhapis excelsa 'KOBAN'

'KOBAN', the most popular variety, has wide leaf segments, a medium
growth rate, and a full spreading growth habit. Besides being "distinctively
different", this easy-to-grow Rhapis is an excellent interior palm.

[Shown in a 7" brass
decorative container]

Rhapis excelsa 'DARUMA'

'DARUMA' is a classic cultivar with leaves resembling the large "standard"
Rhapis excelsa. It has a medium growth rate and a tall, upright shape.
This variety is a favorite of those who prefer narrow leaf segments and
the traditional look of Lady Palms.

[Shown in a 6" brass
pot]

Rhapis excelsa 'TENZAN'

'TENZAN', an extremely unusual Lady Palm, has long curving leaves and
an elegant slender form. A fast grower, it is the tallest of all named
varieties. One word says it all -- dramatic!

[Shown in a 10" decorative
container]

Mini-Dwarf Varieties of Rhapis excelsa

Mini-dwarf Rhapis excelsa are exquisite examples of the 300 year old
Japanese tradition of cultivating the shortest, slowest-growing varieties
of Rhapis excelsa.

The mini-dwarf cultivars, 'GYOKUHO' and 'KODARUMA are excellent for
collectors of dwarf specimens, bonsai gardens, or areas requiring small,
very special ornamental palms.

R. excelsa 'KODARUMA'

'KODARUMA', the ultimate mini-palm, is the shortest of all Rhapis. This
slow grower puts lots of energy into producing pups, so it grows "out"
more than "up'. Small leaves on miniature canes personifies the word "dwarf".
Irresistible!

[Shown in 10"
& 7" brass pots]

Rhapis excelsa 'GYOKUHO'

'GYOKUHO' is a pixie palm with small oval leaves and a short bushy growth
habit. It slowly adds only a few inches of height per year and produces
numerous offshoots. Nicknamed the "bush baby", this variety is a favorite
of almost everyone.

[Shown in a 5" Nishiki
Pot with Dragon design]

Unlike the large "standard" Rhapis excelsa which easily reaches 14'
of height or the dwarf varieties 'KOBAN, 'DARUMA', and 'TENZAN' which slowly
grow 6' tall ... the mini-dwarf cultivars 'KODARUMA' and 'GYOKUHO' may
only attain 4' of height after 30 or 40 years of age such as the ones shown
below with Lynn McKamey at the Huntington Botanical Garden, San Marino,
California.

Variegated Rhapis excelsa

Rarities of the palm world

'ZUIKONISHIKI'
6" Nishiki Pot "Scroll" design

In the plant kingdom, variegated palms are almost nonexistent. Rhapis
are a rare exception and offer an array of striped varieties for the most
discriminating collections.

Rhapis excelsa 'ZUIKONISHIKI'

This regal Rhapis has white and green striped leaves which distinguish
it as the most vivid variegated. Quite elegant.

[Shown in 5" Nishiki
Pot with Dragon design]

Rhapis excelsa 'ZUIKO-LUTINO'

Creamy white leaves with, green stripes. A sport of 'Zuikonishiki",
this Lady's unusual name was chosen from the term "lutino", used to describe
white birds having a touch of color.

[Shown in a 5" clay
Bonsai Pot]

Rhapis excelsa 'CHIYODAZURU'

This exceptional variegated is one of the most perfectly striped varieties.
Each leaf displays fine, narrow pen-stripes. Easy to grow and a superb
choice.

[Shown in a 6" short
Nishiki Pot]

Rhapis excelsa 'KOTOBUKI'

An outstanding variegated with a tall, elegant form. White stripes on
green leaves make this lady quite stunning.

[Shown in a 7" Nishiki
pot - Dragon design]

Dwarf Rhapis excelsa are a delight. Treat yourself to one or start
a collection. You will find that each Lady has an elegant and unique personality
all her own.

RHAPIS PALM BOOK

"Secret of the Orient" by Lynn McKamey is a 52 page reference
to all types of "Lady Palms" including standard Rhapis excelsa and other
species. Chapters include the 300 year old history of Rhapis, complete
culture and care, plus bonsai suggestions. Numerous color photographs,
illustrations, and charts are included.

Portions of this book have been reprinted in trade publications, consumer
magazines, and scientific journals. The 12 page culture chapter contains
everything you need to know about growing, propagating, and maintaining
your Rhapis. It can also be used as a guide to most indoor palms and many
houseplants.

Copies are available for $12 each postpaid to U.S. addresses; $15 to
overseas addresses. Send check or money order in U.S. funds to RHAPIS GARDENS-WWW,
P.O.BOX 287, GREGORY, TX 78359 USA.